F3.5: Deletraz joins Fortec for 2016

Swiss driver Louis Deletraz will graduate to the rebranded Formula 3.5 V8 series next year with Fortec Motorsports, the team that took Oliver Rowland to the 2015 title.

Deletraz was a leading light in Formula Renault 2.0 this year, winning the Formula Renault 2.0 NEC and finishing second in the FR2.0 Eurocup. He also made his FR3.5 debut for Comtec in a one-off appearance at the Red Bull Ring in July, before electing to concentrate on his dual FR2.0 campaigns. The 18-year-old took three victories and five pole positions in his first full season in the Eurocup, and nine wins and 12 poles in the NEC.

Deletraz sampled Fortec F3.5 V8 machinery in recent post-season tests at Jerez and Aragon.

"I'm very proud and happy to join Fortec Motorsports," he said. "I could not wish for a better team to step up into Formula 3.5 V8. I only did five days testing with them, and it already feels like home. I'm very lucky to have such experienced people around me and I can't wait for the season to start."

Deletraz run with the team again in the final F3.5 V8 test of the season at Barcelona on December 14-15.

"We are delighted to have Louis on board with us for the new era of FR3.5 V8," Fortec boss Jamie Dye said. "We have built up a great relationship over the last six months and we are very excited to have him racing with us in 2016."

Originally on Autosport.com